Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Within Reach

A drowning man grabs for rescue
at the cold, watery hands
stealing his last breath.

Splashed supplications splay the air,
screams are desperate offerings,
sacrifices on fading ripples.

The sky is neither blue, nor gray,
reason disappears like smoke in fog.

A drowning man grabs for rescue,
at the only thing within his reach.

20 comments:

J. Andrew Lockhart said...

Just like Tim, it made me gasp! I'm not fond of water. Like C.W. Fields said-"I won't drink it, fish f... in it." Sorry, I couldn't help it :)

Margie said...

I almost drowned once Pat!
It was a very long time ago though,
but I was sort of gasping for air too!
Good poem, even if it did make me gasp!

Margie

Anonymous said...

Eerie . . .

Anonymous said...

v.cool.
my sort of thing :)

You keep putting forth great offerings.

floots said...

so dark indeed
good one
though i hope the mood/idea comes from imagination rather than experience
cheers

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately he isn't drowning because he can't swim. Someone is doing him in. Very lively poem, and the nightmare of many-a-folks, I dare say.

I hate water.

MB said...

I would have loved to have heard you read this one — it's chock full of evocative sounds. Very affecting, Pat.

Anonymous said...

Dark indeed. I am still pondering "The sky is neither blue, nor gray". "Good" one.

Anonymous said...

**THREADJACKING IN PROGRESS**
Hey Pat, just an FYI. I'm moving my fiction to JaneDoughnut and making DoughnutJane invite-only. So send me an email so I know where to send the invite!

Sue hardy-Dawson said...

Dark indeed- I think life drowned this man

polona said...

dark and brooding but oh so good!

ann said...

oooooh.... a very dark offering on a dark winter's day.... made me clutch my throat.

Russell Ragsdale said...

Good one Pat. I pass the title to you.

Pat Paulk said...

Tim, thank you!!

Thanks Andrew!! No skinny dipping??

Margie, I'm glad you didn't. Thank you!!

Richard, yes it is!!

Inconsequential, how'd I know you would like this one?? Thanks!!

Floots, mostly over active imagination. Thank you!!

Rethabile, there are many types of hands that take peoples lives. Thank you!!

MB, If I get a chance today I'll record it, just for you!! Thank you!!

Thanks Vaughn!!

Janedoughnut, I click on your email link and URL Not Found keeps coming up.If you would email me at patpaulk@yahoo.com I would love to join.

Sue, you are right!!

Thanks for the WOW Kai!!

Thanks Polona!! Guess I was in a dark and brooding mood.

Ann, got to mix things up. Actually, the muse does that, I just go along for the ride. Thanks!!

Russell, I think novices are not permitted to be title holders. Hope your visit to the States has been good. Thank you!!!

Anonymous said...

Wonderfully frightful! I don't have any other words.

gracie said...

I love this, Pat. You have captured the desperation - I wonder where you were to write it???

Anonymous said...

As I read the poem I could see it taking place in my mind. I love poetry that I can see. This is deep on so many levels and I love it!

Anonymous said...

"The sky is neither blue, nor gray, reason disappears like smoke in fog."

I have felt that many times. The aftermath:

"Azure of the next new day always takes my breath away"

Thanks, Paul.

Tongue in Cheek Antiques said...

What is in your reach?
Powerful imagery you evoke...

Anonymous said...

Eerie...makes me wonder what each of us grabs for.